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BitDepth 1540: Cybersecurity Challenges in the Caribbean

Image: Dale Joseph, captured from video footage.

AmCham HSSE Conference: A Critical Dialogue

On November 11, 2025, amidst rising concerns over cybersecurity threats, the first day of the cybersecurity track at AmCham’s Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) Conference was dominated by discussions around the regional response to these ever-evolving dangers.

Changing Threat Landscape

The session titled "Outpaced and Under Fire – Navigating the New Era of Cyber Threats" was moderated by Gerardo Rivera Menjivar. He highlighted, “Traditional threat models are being outpaced, and this means our strategies, governance, and culture must evolve just as quickly.”

Casual observers have become increasingly aware that attacks on businesses have spiked dramatically over the last six years. Despite sincere efforts by various local entities to keep successful breaches under wraps, some cyber incidents were so audacious in nature, and their impacts so disruptive, that concealment was not an option. The pressing question remains: How does Trinidad and Tobago (TT) and the wider Caribbean transition from an evidently ineffective strategy?

Information Silos: A Major Hindrance

Dale Joseph, Chief Analyst for Cyber at CARICOM IMPACS, voiced concerns regarding the isolated nature of operations within the Caribbean. “We still operate largely in silos,” he noted. “This presents a major challenge because without information sharing, we cannot coordinate effectively and, therefore, will struggle to mount a realistic response to threats, be they ransomware or AI-generated attacks.”

Joseph emphasized the need for clarity during a cyber incident when entities often grapple with determining whom to contact and who bears responsibility. "That lack of a structured approach significantly complicates our response," he stated.

Anish Bachu, Head of the National Cyber Security Incident Response Team (TT-CSIRT), added, “Just having asset management, even if it’s just an Excel sheet listing some key assets, is preferable to having nothing.” The failure to prepare is where many organizations falter, often leading professionals to scramble for solutions during pressing incidents.

Preparation is Key

Bachu further lamented the frequency with which organizations react to crises without proper preparation. “You certainly don’t want to be figuring out who to contact when things are at their worst,” he asserted.

Travais Sookoo, a Security Engineer from Check Point, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the siloed approach hinders resilience. “Departments are often working in isolation, diverting attention to their tasks. The absence of coordination inhibits prompt recovery and stifles valuable lessons that could mitigate future incidents,” he explained.

Legislative Challenges

Compounding the issue is the lack of legislative mandates for businesses or government agencies to disclose breaches. Joseph elaborated, “If you don’t communicate your symptoms to a doctor, you won’t get proper treatment. In Trinidad and Tobago and many Caribbean nations, there’s still no law compelling organizations to report incidents. I often receive notifications from contacts, but is there an organized approach in legislation to encourage reporting?”

He urged that preparedness and coordination need to stem from a structured national security strategy.

Accountability in Cybersecurity

The conference raised another pivotal question: Should leaders bear personal accountability for cybersecurity lapses? Terrence Panchoo, head of technology at Proman Trinidad, asserted, “We’re all accountable. If someone is not held responsible from a business standpoint, who drives change? The push for legal accountability for corporate executives is gaining momentum; in cases of gross negligence, they may face liabilities.”

Panchoo highlighted an important shift in board responsibilities to focus on cybersecurity and governance, acknowledging that these areas are becoming integral components of corporate strategy.

The Cost of Compliance Versus Resilience

Sookoo cautioned against conflating compliance with resilience, stating, “Compliance should be the floor, not the ceiling.” He noted that organizations often fulfill regulatory needs but need to be vigilant about actual resilience against threats. Executives should be evaluating the costs associated with organizational downtimes, as quantifying these expenses can shift the focus from mere compliance to a proactive business strategy.

CARICOM Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Action Plan (CCSCAP)

Joseph described the CARICOM Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Action Plan (CCSCAP) as a vital framework for regional cyber resilience, focusing on advocacy, capacity-building, technical standards enhancement, and international cooperation. “Trinidad and Tobago should lead the charge in adopting and implementing this plan across governmental and private sectors,” Joseph emphasized.

IMPACS has dedicated efforts to raise awareness within the region. Since 2019, it has worked with all 15 member states to emphasize the significance of building cybersecurity resilience.

Strategic Partnerships and Legislation for Future Preparedness

Joseph highlighted that strategic documents for business continuity must remain dynamic and relevant. He stated, “For the next five years, we need to recommit to forging partnerships, agile decision-making, legislation, and policy with an emphasis on adaptability.”

Leveraging AI legalese decoder for Effective Action

In this context, the AI legalese decoder can play a pivotal role. It demystifies legal texts and cybersecurity regulations, making it easier for organizations to comprehend their responsibilities and obligations. By providing a clear understanding of legal language, the AI legalese decoder aids businesses in identifying compliance requirements and formulating strategies to enhance their cybersecurity frameworks. This support enables organizations to create effective plans for incident reporting, ensuring that they are prepared and well-coordinated in response to potential cyber threats.

Conclusion: Towards a Cyber-Resilient Future

As the Caribbean grapples with the dynamic challenges posed by cybersecurity threats, collaboration, preparation, and accountability will be essential. Leveraging tools like the AI legalese decoder can facilitate smoother navigation through legal obligations and empower organizations to enhance their cybersecurity posture comprehensively. By building solid partnerships and developing a robust legislative framework, the region can improve its resilience against the evolving landscape of cyber threats.

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